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Learn about the elements of alimony and how your finances may be affected

Alimony

Alimony can take several forms: permanent, temporary, rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap and lump sum.

Many factors are considered in determining the award and amount of alimony. When navigating terms of the support, we must consider the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration (length) of the marriage, the age, the physical and emotional condition of each party, and the financial resources of each party. We must also consider the nonmarital assets, marital assets, and liabilities distributed to each.

The fundamental issues are the need of one spouse for support and the ability of the other spouse to pay such support. There are other things that are considered when the amount of spousal support/maintenance is being determined, such as:

  • The amount of time one of the spouses needs for training/education
    • This would be done in order for the individual to find employment that could support their lifestyle.
  • The ways in which each party contributed to the marriage, including:
    • Homemaking
    • Child care and raising
    • Support of the education and/or career building of the other party
  • All income sources that are available to either party
  • Other factors necessary for justice and equitable support between the parties.

Supportive Relationship

In 2005, Florida law was changed to address the effect of a supportive relationship on alimony.

Florida Statute provides that a court may reduce or terminate an award of alimony upon a finding that a supportive relationship exists between the person receiving the alimony support and a person with whom the recipient resides. As a result, a recipient spouse who lives with a person in a supportive relationship may have their alimony terminated or reduced dependent upon the financial circumstances between the two parties.

There has been a significant amount of litigation in this area of the law. We will passionately champion your rights.